Scientific Name
Euphorbia abdelkuri Balf.f.
Scientific Classification
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Euphorbioideae
Tribe: Euphorbieae
Subtribe: Euphorbiinae
Genus: Euphorbia
Origin
This species is endemic to Abd al Kuri, an island of Socotra Archipelago, one of the governorates of Yemen, where it grows in rocky areas.
Description
Euphorbia abdelkuri is a weird clumping succulent with spineless, columnar, more or less cylindrical stems with generally six ribs and somewhat wrinkled greenish-gray to ash gray or tan epidermis. It grows up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall, usually branching from the base and forming a clump up to 5 feet (1.5 m) in diameter. The stems look like grey candles with melted wax on them. The cyathia are about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter with yellowish nectar glands and appear on short peduncles towards the top of the stems.
Etymology
The specific epithet "abdelkuri (ab-del-KOO-ree)" is a compound of the words in "Abd al Kuri," the name of the island that is the natural habitat of the species.
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia abdelkuri
Light: This succulent is a sun lover. Place your indoor E. abdelkuri in a sunny window. You may place the pot on the balcony or in the garden from spring to fall. Increase sun exposure gradually to prevent sunburn.
Soil: E. abdelkuri requires well-drained soil. Use a commercial potting mix formulated for succulents, or make your own.
Hardiness: High summer temperatures are not a problem, but low winter temperatures can damage or kill your plant. E. abdelkuri can withstand temperatures as low as 35 to 50 °F (1.7 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b.
Watering: From spring to fall, water when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter. Give it just enough water to prevent wilting. The best time of the day to water your E. abdelkuri in the warm season is the evening.
Fertilizing: Plants in a pot need regular feeding. Apply a balanced fertilizer in a 10-10-10 NPK formulation, diluted to 1/4 strength once a week during the growing season.
Repotting: E. abdelkuri will benefit from repotting, but it does not need to be repotted every year. When your plant is outgrowing its pot, it is time to repot it in a larger pot and give it a fresh potting mix. The repotting is best done in early spring, at the beginning of the growing season. Wear gloves, protective clothing, and appropriate eye protection when repotting this succulent.
Propagation: The easiest and fastest propagation method for this plant is by using cuttings. It can also be grown from seeds, but it can be difficult to germinate, even hard to find. The best time to take cuttings is in spring or summer. Sow the seeds in spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia.
Toxicity of Euphorbia abdelkuri
E. abdelkuri produces a toxic white milky sap and can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. Therefore, it is best to keep your plant away from children and pets.
Cultivars of Euphorbia abdelkuri
Links
- Back to genus Euphorbia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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